Sure Grip Rebel Review

As experienced athletes constantly seeking the right gear for our pursuits, selecting a new pair of roller skates was no easy choice. We wanted performance and protection without overinvesting until we found the perfect fit. The Sure-Grip Rebel roller speed skates continually surfaced as a recommended option – an affordable yet durable choice. In this Sure Grip Rebel review, we’ll share our in-depth experience after months of gritty use with these skates.

Table of Contents

First Impressions Out the Box

Unboxing the Sure-Grip Rebels, we were struck by the great leather boot construction right away. The rugged all-black exterior exuded toughness. Yet the ample interior padding implied these skates prioritized comfort and protection too.

True to size, the snug fit secured our feet firmly. The wide laces and padded collar locked our ankles down for confident stability. Flexibility came from the extra-padded tongue, though we soon learned it required an extensive break-in.

The 62mm indoor/outdoor wheels featured a unique tread design for optimal grip. While slippery initially, we noticed increasing traction as the treads gradually wore down. The Carrera toe stops looked ready to deliver responsive stops. And the ABEC 7 bearings hinted at smooth-rolling efficiency.

Putting Rebels Through Their Paces

Our Rebels sessions focused on outdoor drills – acceleration, crossovers, stops, and pivots. Immediately we appreciated the secure fit eliminating slippage inside the reinforced toe box. That sturdy toe proved indispensable for frequent toe-stop usage too.

The balanced 62mm wheels have fantastic grip and responsive agility ideal for newbies. The wheels accommodated powerful starts and stops courtesy of the Carrera toe stops. While not the fastest wheels, their stability inspired confidence for drills.

Moving to the rink allowed for the assessment of durability and protection. The distinct padding truly shined, preventing lace bites when wiping out. We quickly learned to trust the Rebels’ impact resistance and padding as we took some hard falls. The sturdy nylon plates stayed firmly adjusted too.

Our lone gripe remained the excessively stiff tongue requiring an extensive break-in period of limber use before conforming comfortably. But we gladly traded short-term discomfort for long-term protection.

After Extensive Derby Use: An In-Depth Review

Following intensive use over 6 months and a dozen full-contact bouts, the sure-grip rebel roller skates exhibited both strengths and limitations:

Comfort

As expected the ample padding prevents pain and injury when falling. The stiff leather boot remains snug while allowing toe flex for agility. Our main comfort issue is a stiff tongue digging into feet requiring a long break-in. 7/10 comfort.

Performance

The unique tread pattern provides outstanding traction control whether ripping inside starts or executing lateral drifts. We love the responsive acceleration and reliable Carrera stops too. Momentum feels lively yet planted courtesy of the ABEC 7s. Overall the handling inspires confidence in newbies – 8/10 performance.

Durability

Given the repeated impacts and falls, the Rebel boots are remarkably durable. Aside from expected cosmetic scuffing, the thick leather shows no premature creasing or tearing. The wheels are holding their form well too. Equally impressive is how securely the plates stay adjusted. Derby skates simply don’t get tougher at this price point. 9/10 durability.

Value

At the $210-$230 price point, the performance, protection, and longevity the Rebels provide are tough to beat for roller derby newcomers. While their lifespan is ultimately finite, the value over at least one intensive season is undeniable. We give them a perfect 10/10 value score.

Technical Information

Used for: Roller Derby
Boot Material: Leather Boot
Plate: Probe nylon plate
Wheel Size: 62mm
Wheel Hardness: 92A
Bearings: ABEC 7
Toe Stop: Carrera toe stop
Price: 210$ to 229$
Available colors: black
Sizes: Men – 4-14, Women 5-12

Pros and Cons Breakdown

What We Love About Rebels

Rugged, reinforced leather boot construction
Excellent derby-focused ankle and impact protection
Quality components like plates, wheels, bearings
Delivers control, responsiveness, and agility
Surprisingly durable given the derby’s abuse
Ideal entry point for recreational derby
Fantastic value under $230

The Limitations

Extended break-in period required
Basic, no-frills boot design
Not designed for advanced customizations
Will eventually require upgrading as skills progress
They won’t last you a long time

Best Suited to…

We feel the Sure-Grip Rebels excel for:

Total beginner recreational roller derby skaters
Those evaluating or trying derby short-term
Skaters wanting protective padding on a budget
Derby practices and entry-level bouts only
Sessions under 3 hours in duration

Likely less ideal for:

Competitive advanced derby skaters
All-day intensive derby training
Downhill high-speed skating
Aggressive skatepark sessions
Those wanting lots of custom options

But for newbies seeking quality entry-level derby skates, look no further than Sure-Grip Rebels!

Our Final Verdict

After extensive roller derby use, we happily rate the Sure-Grip Rebel skates 4 out of 5 stars. While eventually requiring an upgrade, these skates provide exactly what beginners need – protection, durability, control, and value as an entry point into derby. The Sure-Grip Rebels are a great skate for beginners.

We’ll recommend the Sure-Grip Rebels to any derby newcomers who are on the lookout for a new skate and unwilling to invest heavily before determining their commitment. For the price, they deliver full derby capability ideal for your first pivots, stops, falls, and hip checks! If you’re just starting in roller derby, the Rebels are an excellent choice to get you rolling.

We hope you enjoyed our Sure Grip Rebel review, you can explore more reviews of other Sure Grip Skates and find out why they’re a fan favorite!